The Excercise Class

Let me describe my current exercise program. I sit in my easy chair and eat junk food for six months. Then I exercise vigorously for an hour, collapse, and then crawl back to the easy chair. Trust me, doesn’t work well. I needed something different.

We have a new exercise class in our church. Charlee Rutheford teaches it and does a great job. She has a super relationship with God, she loves us, and she really knows her stuff. So Tuesday found me in our church fellowship hall with 6 ladies. I’m the only guy in the class. I figure if you are going to do public humiliation, do it on a grand scale. I’ve never been in an exercise class. I was hoping they would take it easy with me. My theory goes like this—if you kill the preacher, it’s some sort of sin, ranking between littering and jaywalking.

Speaking of walking, we started walking in place, then moving our arms, then other exercises. Sweat was pouring down my face, my muscles were burning, and I was breathing heavily. Total exhaustion was setting in. Our hour class must be about over. I glanced at my watch—it had been a minute and a half.

I was given a chair. Silly me thought I was going to sit on it. Nope, its purpose is to help me regain my balance while doing hip and leg workouts. Picture a beached whale on a pogo stick. Not a pretty sight. I did get to lie down on a mat. The last time I laid on a mat, I was in kindergarten and we got a snack afterwards. Things change in 47 years. I got down on the mat okay. At my age and stage, when I get on the floor, I look around for other things to do, so I didn’t make the trip for nothing. We did some exercises on the floor, and then Charlee asked the impossible. She wanted me to get up! I made a mental note for the next elders meeting to discuss buying a wench with a pulley, but I don’t think that will work.

So Joni and I get home, I shower and eat breakfast and guess what? I feel great. My back pain was gone, and I had extra energy. This was truly amazing.

I’m guessing that the apostle Paul led an exercise class at the church in Corinth. In I Corinthians 9:25-27, we read, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Our Christian life is like exercise. The first time we read the Bible, it is difficult. After we read it for a while, it becomes easier. Sharing our faith for the first time can be tough. The more we do it the easier it gets. The more we exercise our faith, the stronger our relationship with Christ will be.
I just need to get out of the easy chair!